Replacing Notebook HDD to SSD

[iamadean]

Unfortunately, my hard drive gave out as boot is giving me a hard drive error 301. I would like to know if my notebook is compatible with SSD which I am planning to replace my HDD with. My notebook’s mode is 15t - j100.

And how do I get my windows back from my old hard drive given its current situation?

Looking forward for an answer and thanks in advance! 

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes you can replace the old hard drive with a 2.5" SSD such as the 2.5" Samsung 860evo of your desired capacity.

Below I will copy the answer I give for when hard drive fails, Let me know if you have further question.

On page 45 of the service manual you can see the steps to replace drive:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04091768

You will need to reinstall the OS on the drive, either by using recovery disks, migrating a backup image or by downloading media creation tool from Microsoft on different PC (this is for Windows 10), running and creating a bootable pendrive with the OS on it on a different computer. (there is an explanation on the Microsoft web page on how to create the pendrive) Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to the Internet.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you choose this option you will need to use the pendrive to perform a clean install of Windows 10. You might need to disable fastboot and secure boot in BIOS (probably not). So, insert the pendrive in the PC and it should boot directly from the drive. If not, turn off PC by holding the power button. Press the power button and immediately keep pressing ESC  until startup menu appears and then press F9 and choose the pendrive in the boot menu. Once it boots from pendrive follow the procedure to install Windows. You do not need a product key as it is in the firmware. Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to the internet.

When finished installing allow Windows to completely update and find all or most drivers. You can follow this process by going into settings > Security and update > click on Verify for updates. You might need to reboot a couple of times. Once completely updated you can go into device manager and see if there are any missing drivers (there will be yellow exclamation mark next to the device). You can find these drivers and software on HP support page for your product.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-envy-15-j100-select-edition-notebook-pc-series/6521373/model...

Once you replace the drive you can use a SATA to USB adapter to connect the old drive to the PC and try to recover your personal files. It will work as an external drive.

Example:

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATA-Drive-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00HJZJI84/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=pc&ie=U...

Let me know if you need further help,

David

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[iamadean]

You sir, is awesome! Thanks for all the details provided before I even ask for it. Thanks so much!